I don’t believe in tolerance …

I believe in respect.

After all, do you want to be “tolerated?”

Wouldn’t you rather be respected?

Tolerance doesn’t go anywhere near far enough. We need to respect other people.

And if I want you to respect me, I’ve got to respect you first – to earn your respect, because it’s worth something to me. Respect isn’t cheap.

Funny thing, though, is that most of American culture is built on disrespect: just about everything we think is funny is some form of ridicule or derision.

But here’s the silver lining: In this context, showing just the tiniest bit of respect for another person stands out like a blazing light in a darkened room. People always notice when you treat them with respect; in our culture, you can’t help but notice. It’s amazingly refreshing to the human soul.

So I encourage you to join me in going beyond tolerance – rain some respect on a thirsty soul today!

Originally posted June 20, 2009 on White Tree Ideas

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